Electronic device

ABSTRACT

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a housing, a contact member attached to the housing, and a vibration generating device. The vibration generating device is fixed to the contact member or the housing. A gap is formed between a surface of the vibration generating device facing the housing and a surface of the housing facing the vibration generating device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/237,782 filed on Apr. 22, 2021; Ser. No. 16/906,260 filed on Jun. 19,2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,031,854; Ser. No. 15/822,465, filed on Nov.27, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,727,726; and Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2016-230689 filed Nov. 28, 2016, each of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device, and moreparticularly, to an electronic device including a vibration generatingdevice.

Background

Some electronic devices and the like incorporate a vibration generatingdevice for generating a vibration.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-70729 discloses a structure in whicha vibration actuator is attached to a touch panel of an informationterminal processor through a vibration transmitting part for reducingthe frequency of a vibration and transmitting the vibration to the touchpanel.

Incidentally, in such electronic devices and the like, it is necessaryto attach a vibration generating device to an electronic device so thata vibration force generated by the vibration generating device can betransmitted to a member of the electronic device.

The present disclosure is related to providing an electronic devicecapable of using a vibration of a vibration generating device.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronicdevice includes a housing, a contact member attached to the housing, anda vibration generating device. The vibration generating device is fixedto the contact member or the housing. A gap is formed between a surfaceof the vibration generating device facing the housing and a surface ofthe housing facing the vibration generating device.

Preferably, the vibration generating device is coupled or fixed to thecontact member directly or through other member; the vibrationgenerating device includes a base and a plate displaceable in adirection away from or closer to the base; and the plate can be intocontact with or spaced apart from the contact member in the directionaway from or closer to the base.

Preferably, the vibration generating device includes a first elasticmember supporting the plate with respect to the base, and the firstelastic member supporting the plate in contact with the contact memberis deformed.

Preferably, the vibration generating device includes a first elasticmember supporting the plate with respect to the base, and the firstelastic member supporting the plate in contact with the contact memberurges the plate toward the contact member in the direction away from orcloser to the base.

Preferably, a second elastic member is provided between the plate andthe contact member.

Preferably, the contact member is coupled to the housing through a thirdelastic member.

Preferably, a weight is provided at the plate.

Preferably, the vibration generating device is coupled to an outerperipheral part of the contact member.

In accordance with the above-mentioned aspects of the presentdisclosure, it is possible to provide an electronic device capable ofusing a vibration of a vibration generating device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device accordingto a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a vibration generating device;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an internal structure of thevibration generating device;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the vibrationgenerating device;

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the vibration generating device;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along a line A1-A1 in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along a line A2-A2 in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an elastic member according toa first modified example;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an elastic member according toa second modified example;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an elastic member accordingto a third modified example;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an elastic member accordingto a fourth modified example;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an elastic member accordingto a fifth modified example;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an elastic member accordingto a sixth modified example;

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a structure for attaching a vibrationgenerating device to an electronic device;

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a vibration generating device in astate, in this state a current flows through a coil;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a first modified example ofthe attaching structure for attaching the vibration generating device;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view illustrating the first modified example ofthe attaching structure for attaching the vibration generating device;

FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating the second modified example of theattaching structure for attaching the vibration generating device;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along a line C-C in FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a modified example of anelectronic device;

FIG. 21 is a plan view illustrating a vibration generating deviceaccording to a second embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along a line E-E in FIG. 21 ;

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the secondembodiment;

FIG. 24 is a plan view illustrating a vibration generating deviceaccording to a third embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along a line G-G in FIG. 24 ;

FIG. 26 is a sectional view illustrating a vibration generating deviceaccording to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a sectional view illustrating a vibration generating deviceaccording to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating a vibration generating deviceaccording to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a view illustrating the structure of the vibration generatingdevice according to the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating a vibration generating deviceaccording to a modified example of the sixth embodiment; and

FIG. 31 is a view illustrating the structure of the vibration generatingdevice according to the modified example of the sixth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An electronic device including a vibration generating device accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

Coordinates illustrated in the accompanying drawings are used toillustrate the posture of the vibration generating device. An X-axisdirection of coordinates is also referred to as a left and rightdirection (a positive direction from an origin on an X-axis is a rightdirection). A Y-axis direction is also referred to as a front and backdirection (a positive direction from an origin on a Y-axis is a backdirection). A Z-axis direction (a direction vertical to an XY plane) isalso referred to as an up and down direction (a positive direction froman origin on a Z-axis is an upward direction). A direction vertical tothe Z-axis is also referred to as horizontal. Note that the terms “leftand right”, “front and back”, “up and down”, “horizontal”, and the likeare used to explain a structure or operation, and thus are not relatedto the posture or intended use of the vibration generating device andthe electronic device in a state the vibration generating device and theelectronic device used.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device accordingto a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , an electronic device 1001 includes a housing1010, a contact member 1020, and a vibration generating device 1. Theelectronic device 1001 is, for example, a so-called smartphone.

The contact member 1020 is, for example, a touch panel. The contactmember 1020 is attached to the housing 1010.

The vibration generating device 1 generates a vibration force to betransmitted to the electronic device 1001. In the present embodiment,the vibration generating device 1 is coupled or fixed to the contactmember 1020 directly or through another member. Note that the structureof the vibration generating device 1 is not limited to a structure, inthis structure the vibration generating device 1 is coupled or fixed tothe contact member 1020 directly or through other member, but insteadthe vibration generating device 1 may be coupled or fixed to the housing1010 directly or through another member.

[Structure of Vibration Generating Device 1]

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the vibration generatingdevice 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an internalstructure of the vibration generating device 1. FIG. 4 is an explodedperspective view illustrating the vibration generating device 1. FIG. 5is a plan view illustrating the vibration generating device 1. FIG. 6 isa sectional view taken along a line A1-A1 in FIG. 5 . FIG. 7 is asectional view taken along a line A2-A2 in FIG. 5 .

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the vibration generating device 1 is formedin a thin plate shape as a whole. The vibration generating device 1 hasa flat shape. The vibration generating device 1 has such a small sizethat, for example, outline dimensions in each of the left and rightdirection and the front and back direction are about several tens ofmillimeters, and outer diameter dimensions in the up and down directionare about several millimeters. The vibration generating device 1 roughlyhas a disc shape having an outer diameter of, for example, about 20millimeters, and a thickness of about three millimeters, except for apart providing hole parts 11.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the vibration generating device 1 includes abase 10, a plate 30, a coil 40, and elastic members 51.

The base 10 is formed with a magnetic body. The base 10 is formed with,for example, metal. The base 10 is formed with, for example, iron. Thebase 10 is formed by, for example, molding a steel plate or the like bypressing or the like. Note that the base 10 may be formed by performingprocessing such as cutting.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the base 10 includes a flange part 15 and arecessed part 14 recessed downward from the flange part 15. The recessedpart 14 has, for example, a circular shape in a plan view. In otherwords, the base 10 includes a thin columnar part opened upward (abottomed tubular part). The columnar part has, for example, acylindrical shape. An upper end part of the columnar part corresponds tothe flange part 15 having a flange shape opened in the outer peripheraldirection. In the present embodiment, the flange part 15 extends morethan the other part in the left and right direction, and the hole parts11 is provided at the extending part of the flange part 15. Asillustrated in FIG. 5 , the hole parts 11 are arranged at the left andright sides of the recessed part 14 and used for, for example, attachingthe vibration generating device 1 to the electronic device 1001 or thelike.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the recessed part 14 includes a bottom part14 a and a side wall part 14 b. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , a front partof the side wall part 14 b is removed. In other words, a part of theside wall part 14 b is cut out and recessed.

A terminal plate 19 extending forward from the bottom part 14 a isprovided at the cut-out part of the side wall part 14 b. The terminalplate 19 is a projecting part that projects outward from the side wallpart 14 b. Terminals 19 a and 19 b for energizing the coil 40 is at theterminal plate 19. The terminals 19 a and 19 b are formed at, forexample, a flexible substrate, and are joined to the terminal plate 19.Instead of providing the terminal plate 19, a part of the side wall part14 b and the bottom part 14 a may be removed, and a path for energizingthe coil 40 from below the base 10 or from a side of the base 10 may beprovided passing through the removed part.

In the present embodiment, a dent 17 and a groove part 18 are providedat an upper surface of the bottom part 14 a. A depth from the uppersurface of the bottom part 14 a to the dent 17 or the groove part 18 isshorter than the depth of the recessed part 14 in the up and downdirection (a distance from the upper surface of the flange part 15 tothe upper surface of the bottom part 14 a). The dent 17 is formedsubstantially at a central part of the recessed part 14. The dent 17 isformed in a shape that fits the shape of a protruding part 20 describedbelow. For example, the dent 17 has a circular shape in a plan view. Thegroove part 18 is formed in a range from the substantially central partof the recessed part 14 to the vicinity of the terminal plate 19. Thegroove part 18 extends from the dent 17 toward the terminal plate 19 inthe front and back direction so that the front and back directionmatches the longitudinal direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the protruding part 20 is provided at thebase 10. The protruding part 20 is arranged at a central part of thebase 10. The protruding part 20 has, for example, a columnar shape. Inthe present embodiment, the protruding part 20 has a cylindrical shape.The position of the upper end part of the protruding part 20 in the upand down direction is substantially the same as the position of theupper surface of the flange part 15. Note that the upper end part of theprotruding part 20 in the up and down direction may be located above orbelow the upper surface of the flange part 15.

In the present embodiment, the protruding part 20 is formed separatelyfrom the main body of the base 10 that is formed with a steel plate orthe like, and is attached to the main body of the base 10. Theprotruding part 20 is attached to the main body of the base 10 in such amanner. In this manner the protruding part 20 is fitted into the dent17. The protruding part 20 is attached to the dent 17 by, for example,joining or welding. The protruding part 20 is formed with a magneticbody, like the main body of the base 10. The protruding part 20 isformed with, for example, metal. The protruding part 20 is formed with,for example, iron. The protruding part 20 functions as an electromagnetcore (iron core) using the coil 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the coil 40 has an annular flat shape. Thecoil 40 is a thin coil. A dimension of the coil 40 in a winding axisdirection is smaller than a dimension in a direction orthogonal to thewinding axis direction. The coil 40 is, for example, a tabular coilbeing a wound conductive wire and having a circular ring shape as awhole. Note that the coil 40 may be formed by slicing a wound metalfoil, or may be formed by stacking sheet coils. The outer shape of thecoil 40 may be a polygonal shape, such as a circular shape or a squareshape, in a plan view.

The coil 40 is annularly wound around the protruding part 20. In otherwords, the coil 40 is accommodated in the recessed part 14.Specifically, the coil 40 is arranged between the outer periphery of theprotruding part 20 and the inner periphery of the side wall part 14 b.The coil 40 is formed in such a manner. In this manner the upper surfaceof the coil 40 is not located above the upper surface of the flange part15. The coil 40 is attached to the base 10. The coil 40 wound in adoughnut-like plate shape in advance may be attached to the base 10 insuch a manner. In this manner the coil 40 is fitted into the recessedpart 14. Alternatively, the coil 40 may be formed on the base 10 bydirectly winding a conductive wire around the base 10 so as to surroundthe protruding part 20.

A gap is formed between the inner surface of the side wall part 14 bserving as an outer peripheral part of the base 10 and an outerperipheral side surface 41 of the coil 40. A gap is also formed betweenthe outer peripheral side surface of the protruding part 20 and an innersurface 42 of the coil 40. Thus, an insulation state is ensured, in theinsulation state the base 10 and the coil 40 are not in contact witheach other.

The coil 40 is formed by winding, for example, a conductive wire havinga diameter of 0.15 with about 100 to 200 turns (e.g., 150 turns). Thespecifications of the coil 40 are not limited to these specificationsand can be appropriately selected depending on the size, intended use,and the like of the vibration generating device 1.

An end part (winding end part) 43 a of the conductive wire at theoutside of the coil 40 is pulled out to the outside of the base 10 fromthe inside of the recessed part 14 through the removed part of theremoved side wall part 14 b. An end part (winding end part) 43 b of theconductive wire at the inside of the coil 40 is pulled out to theoutside of the base 10 from the removed part of the removed side wallpart 14 b through the lower side of the coil 40.

In the present embodiment, the winding end part 43 b is pulled out tothe terminal plate 19 from the inside of the coil 40 through the groovepart 18. This prevents a load from being applied to the conductive wireand impairing the insulation when the conductive wire leading to thewinding end part 43 b is sandwiched between the lower surface of thecoil 40 and the upper surface of the bottom part 14 a. In order toensure the insulation between the coil 40 and the base 10, a tubularinsulating member penetrating through the conductive wire of the coil 40may be inserted.

The winding end parts 43 a and 43 b are pulled out to the outside of thebase 10 through the removed part of the removed side wall part 14 b. Thewinding end parts 43 a and 43 b are connected to the terminals 19 a and19 b, respectively, by soldering or the like. A conductive wire leadingfrom the outside is connected to the terminals 19 a and 19 b, therebymaking the conductive wire possible to energize the coil 40 through theconductive wire. The terminals 19 a and 19 b are arranged on theterminal plate 19. This structure facilitates the connection between theconductive wire leading from the outside and the terminals 19 a and 19b.

The plate 30 has a circular plate shape in parallel to a horizontalplane in the present embodiment. The plate 30 is formed with a magneticbody. The plate 30 is formed with, for example, metal. The plate 30 isformed with, for example, iron. The plate 30 is formed by, for example,molding a steel plate or the like by pressing or the like. Note that theplate 30 may be formed by performing processing such as cutting.

The plate 30 is arranged above the base 10 and facing the base 10. Asillustrated in FIG. 5 , the plate 30 has outer diameter dimensionssubstantially the same as the outer diameter dimensions of thecircumferential part of the flange part 15, excluding the part providingthe hole parts 11. The plate 30 is formed to cover the flange part 15,except for the part providing the hole parts 11. As illustrated in FIG.7 , a lower surface of a part in the vicinity of the outer peripheralpart of the plate 30 faces the upper surface of the flange part 15. Inother words, the flange part 15 is provided in a region of the base 10at the outside of the outer peripheral part of the coil 40, and facesthe surface of the plate 30.

As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the plate 30 is arranged at a short intervalfrom the base 10 forming a magnetic circuit. The elastic members 51 arearranged between the plate 30 and the base 10. Since the elastic members51 are arranged, a constant interval is set between the plate 30 and thebase 10 in a state such that the coil 40 is not energized. In otherwords, the plate 30 is located at a position higher than the flange part15 of the base 10 by an amount equal to the thickness of each elasticmember 51.

The elastic members 51 are, for example, resin members each having arestoring force, and are deformable. The elastic members 51 support theplate 30 with respect to the base 10. The elastic members 51 areprovided between the plate 30 and the base 10. In the presentembodiment, the elastic members 51 are arranged being sandwiched betweenthe flange part 15 and the plate 30. Specifically, the elastic members51 are arranged between the outer peripheral part of the base 10 locatedoutside the coil 40 and the outer peripheral part of the plate 30located outside the coil 40.

The elastic members 51 are joined and fixed to, for example, the flangepart 15 with a joining material. Note that the method for arranging theelastic members 51 is not limited to joining. The elastic members 51 maybe fixed to the plate 30, or may be fixed to each of the flange part 15and the plate 30 by joining or the like. The elastic members 51 need notnecessarily be fixed to each of the flange part 15 and the plate 30.

Four members (elastic members 51 a, 51 b, 51 c, and 51 d; hereinafterthese members are also referred to as the elastic members 51) areprovided as the elastic members 51. The four elastic members 51 arearranged side by side in a circumferential direction. The four elasticmembers are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferentialdirection. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , in the presentembodiment, the elastic member 51 a is arranged at a rear left part ofthe protruding part 20. The elastic member 51 b is arranged at a rearright part of the protruding part 20. The elastic member 51 c isarranged at a front right part of the protruding part 20. The elasticmember 51 d is arranged at a front left part of the protruding part 20.When a certain elastic member 51 is focused, the elastic member 51adjacent to the certain elastic member 51 in the circumferentialdirection is arranged at about a position rotated by 90 degrees aboutthe protruding part 20.

The four elastic members 51 are each arranged at a position apart fromthe adjacent elastic member 51 in the circumferential direction. Inother words, when the vibration generating device 1 is viewed from theside, a part not providing the elastic members 51 is present between theplate 30 and the base 10.

The elastic members 51 can be deformed toward the recessed part 14. Therecessed part 14 serves as a space S formed between the plate 30 and thebase 10, a space S formed between two adjacent elastic members among thefour elastic members 51 in the circumferential direction, and a space Sformed inside the base 10. Accordingly, the space S accommodates a partof the deformed elastic members 51. The provision of the space S enablesthe elastic members 51 to be deformed toward the recessed part 14.

Note that the number of elastic members 51 is not limited to four, butinstead may be two or three. Five or more elastic members 51 may beprovided. As described below, the elastic members 51 may be annularlyformed. The elastic members 51 need not necessarily be arranged betweenthe flange part 15 and the plate 30, but instead the elastic members 51may be arranged between the upper surface of the coil 40 and the plate30, or may be arranged between the upper surface of the protruding part20 and the plate 30.

In the present embodiment, the plate 30 and the base 10 constitute amagnetic circuit. The plate 30 is located close to the flange part 15 ata predetermined interval from the flange part 15 in the outer peripheralpart, and is located close to the protruding part 20 at a predeterminedinterval from the protruding part 20 in the central part. Accordingly,the plate 30 and the base 10 including the protruding part 20 constitutethe magnetic circuit. The plate 30 and the base 10 are spaced apart fromeach other by an amount equal to the thickness of the elastic member 51,and a magnetic gap corresponding to the thickness of the elastic member51 is provided at the magnetic circuit. It is preferable for themagnetic gap to be as small as possible in terms of an increase in theamplitude of the plate 30 (in terms of increasing the magnetismefficiency of the magnetic circuit).

The vibration generating device 1 is driven by repeatedly switching astate such that a current flows through the coil 40 and a state of nocurrent flowing through the coil 40. Specifically, the vibrationgenerating device 1 can generate a vibration by repeatedly magnetizingand demagnetizing the electromagnet formed with the coil 40 and the base10.

When the current flows through the coil 40, the base 10 is excited.Accordingly, the upper part of the base 10 and the flange part 15 serveas a magnetic pole part, and magnetize the plate 30 constituting themagnetic circuit. A relatively strong magnetic attraction force isgenerated between the upper part of the base 10 and the central part ofthe plate 30, and between the flange part 15 and the outer peripheralpart of the plate 30. Thereby the plate 30 is attracted to the base 10.Accordingly, the plate 30 is displaced downward to the base 10 while theelastic members 51 are compressed, so that the interval between theplate 30 and the base 10 is reduced. When the elastic members 51 arecompressed at a state of no current flowing through the coil 40, arestoring force is generated and the plate 30 is urged in a directionapart from the base 10. Accordingly, a maximum amount of displacement ofthe plate 30 is obtained at a position, in the position the magneticattraction force and the restoring force of the elastic member 51 arebalanced. In the present embodiment, the upper part of the base 10serves as the protruding part 20. Note that the upper part of the base10 is not limited to the protruding part 20. The upper part of the base10 may be a region located at a position closer to the plate 30 than thebottom part 14 a of the base 10.

When the state is switched from the state such that a current flowsthrough the coil 40 to the state of no current flowing through the coil40, the magnetism disappears and the magnetic attraction force alsodisappears. Thus, the restoring force of the elastic members 51compressed with the displacement of the plate 30 with respect to thebase 10 acts on the plate 30, so that the plate 30 is displaced upwardwith respect to the base 10. As a result, the interval between the plate30 and the base 10 is increased.

When the state a current flowing through the coil 40 and the state of nocurrent flowing through the coil 40 are repeatedly switched, the plate30 is repeatedly displaced in the up and down direction with respect tothe base 10. In other words, the plate 30 is displaced in the directionaway from or closer to the base 10. Thus, the vibration generatingdevice 1 can generate a vibration force. Examples of the direction awayfrom or closer to the base 10 include a direction that the plate 30vibrates with respect to the base 10, and the thickness direction of theplate 30 or the base 10.

In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral part of the plate 30faces the flange part 15 of the base 10. Accordingly, in the outsidepart of the coil 40, a magnetic flux passing through the magneticcircuit is less likely to leak (a magnetic resistance decreases), and astrong magnetic attraction force is generated. Thus, the efficiency ofthe vibration generating device 1 can be improved. The plate 30 servingas a vibration surface can be increased by an amount equal to the sizeof the flange part 15. Therefore, the vibration can be efficientlytransmitted to the electronic device 1001 and the like.

The elastic members 51 are arranged sandwiched between the plate 30 andthe base 10. With this structure, the plate 30 and the base 10 are notbrought into contact with each other even when a current flows throughthe coil 40. Accordingly, at the time of driving the vibrationgenerating device 1, generation of abnormal noise due to contact betweenthe plate 30 and the base 10 can be prevented.

When the vibration generating device 1 is viewed from the side of thevibration generating device 1, a space where the elastic members 51 arenot arranged is present between the plate 30 and the flange part 15.Accordingly, when the plate 30 is displaced downward with respect to thebase 10 and the elastic members 51 are compressed, the elastic members51 can be deformed and extend not only in the radial direction, but alsoin the circumferential direction. A restoring force (also referred to asan elastic force) necessary for the vibration generating device 1 can beobtained by changing the dimensions of the elastic members 51, such asthe thickness or width of the elastic members 51. Accordingly, theamount of displacement of the plate 30 with respect to the magnitude ofthe magnetic attraction force can be increased. The space where the coil40 is provided and the outside of the vibration generating device 1communicate with each other through an space where the elastic members51 are not arranged between the plate 30 and the flange part 15.Accordingly, heat generated by the coil 40 can be effectively radiated.

Note that as indicated by alternate long and two short dashes lines inFIGS. 3 and 4 , a weight 30w may be arranged on the upper surface of theplate 30 of the vibration generating device 1. When the weight 30w isarranged on the plate 30, the plate 30 is displaced together with theweight 30w, so that a stronger vibration force can be generated.

[Description of Modified Examples of Elastic Members]

The elastic members used for the vibration generating device are notlimited to the elastic members 51 described above, but instead variousforms of elastic members can be used. Specifically, the form of eachelastic member may be selected as needed depending on various factorssuch as the size of the vibration generating device, the magnitude ofthe magnetic attraction force generated using the coil, or the magnitudeof the required vibration force.

A material for the elastic members may be selected as needed dependingon the factors as mentioned above. As the elastic members, resin memberssuch as rubber, synthetic resin, a gel member, or a sponge havingvarious types of bubbles can be used. As the elastic members, metallicmembers including springs such as a plate spring formed with metal and acoil spring can be used. These are merely examples, and various elasticmembers can be used. The various elastic members are deformable andcapable of supporting the plate 30 with respect to the base 10.

A material including a magnetic material may be used for the elasticmembers. Thus, the elastic members may be used as members constitutingthe magnetic circuit together with the base and the plate. Consequently,occurrence of magnetic flux leakage in the magnetic circuit can besuppressed (a magnetic resistance can be reduced), and the efficiency ofthe vibration generating device 1 can be improved.

For example, the elastic members may have the following forms.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an elastic member according toa first modified example.

An upper part of FIG. 8 illustrates an elastic member 50A annularlyformed. A lower part of FIG. 8 illustrates four elastic members 51A(51Aa, 51Ab, 51Ac, and 51Ad) each having a shape constituting a part ofthe annular elastic member 50A. The four elastic members 51A may bearranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction,like the elastic members 51 described above. The elastic members 50A and51A are sheet-like resin members each having a restoring force.

The space S is provided inside the annular elastic member 50A. The spaceS can accommodate a part of the elastic member 50A.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an elastic member according toa second modified example.

An upper part of FIG. 9 illustrates an elastic member 50B annularlyformed. A lower part of FIG. 9 illustrates four elastic members 51B(51Ba, 51Bb, 51Bc, and 51Bd) each having a shape constituting a part ofthe annular elastic member 50B. The four elastic members 51B may bearranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction,like the elastic members 51 described above. The elastic members 50B and51B are resin members having a circular cross-sectional shape and havinga restoring force.

The space S is provided inside the elastic member 50B formed in anannular shape and the elastic members 51B annularly arranged. The spaceS can accommodate a part of the elastic members 50B and 51B. The space Sis provided between two adjacent elastic members 51B among the fourelastic members 51B.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an elastic member accordingto a third modified example.

An upper part of FIG. 10 illustrates two elastic members 50C (50Ca and50Cb). Two elastic members 50C (50Ca and 50Cb) are each shorter than asemicircular arc shape. A lower part of FIG. 10 illustrates four elasticmembers 51C (51Ca, 51Cb, 51Cc, and 51Cd) each having a shapeconstituting a part of the annular elastic members. The four elasticmembers 51C may be arranged at predetermined intervals in thecircumferential direction, like the elastic member 51 described above.The elastic members 50C and 51C are resin members having a cylindricalpipe shape and having a restoring force. Since the elastic members 50Cand 51C have a cylindrical shape, the amount of displacement of theplate 30 with respect to the base 10 can be increased as compared withthe elastic members 50B and 51B.

The space S is provided inside the elastic members 50C and 51C annularlyarranged. The space S can accommodate a part of the elastic members 50Cand 51C. The space S is also provided between two elastic members 50Cand between two adjacent elastic members 51C among the four elasticmembers 51C.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an elastic member accordingto a fourth modified example.

FIG. 11 illustrates four elastic members 51D (51Da, 51Db, 51Dc, and51Dd). The four elastic members 51D may be arranged at predeterminedintervals in the circumferential direction, like the elastic members 51described above. The elastic members 51D are resin members having aspherical shape and having a restoring force.

The space S that can accommodate a part of the elastic members 51D isprovided inside the four elastic members 51D annularly arranged. Thespace S is also provided between two adjacent elastic members 51D amongthe four elastic members 51D.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an elastic member accordingto a fifth modified example.

An upper part of FIG. 12 illustrates an elastic member 50E annularlyformed. A lower part of FIG. 12 illustrates four elastic members 51E(51Ea, 51Eb, 51Ec, and 51Ed) each having a shape constituting a part ofthe annular elastic member 50E. The four elastic members 51E may bearranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction,like the elastic members 51 described above. The elastic members 50E and51E are sheet-like resin members each having a restoring force. Thesurface of each of the elastic members 50E and 51E has recessed partsand protruding parts. Specifically, a plurality of small projections 55Eare provided at the surface of each of the elastic members 50E and 51E.The formation of recessed parts and protruding parts, such as theprojections 55E, allow the elastic members 50E and 51E to be deformed invarious manners, unlike in a case no recessed parts and no protrudingparts formed, when the elastic members 50E and 51E are compressed.Accordingly, the vibration generated by the vibration generating device1 can be varied.

The space S is provided inside the elastic member 50E formed in anannual shape and the elastic members 51E annularly arranged. The space Scan accommodate a part of the elastic members 50E and 51E. The space Sis also provided between two adjacent elastic members 51E among the fourelastic members 51E.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an elastic member accordingto a sixth modified example.

An upper part of FIG. 13 illustrates an elastic member 50F formed in anannular shape. The elastic member 50F is a resin member having arestoring force. The elastic member 50F includes a sheet-like annularpart 55F formed in an annual shape, and a plurality of projecting parts56F projecting upward from the annular part 55F. Each of the projectingparts 56F has a rib shape extending in the radial direction of theelastic member 50F.

The space S is provided inside the elastic member 50F formed in anannual shape. The space S can accommodate a part of the elastic member50F. The space is also provided between two adjacent projecting parts56F among the plurality of projecting parts 56F.

The elastic member 50F is used in a state, for example, in the state anupper part of each of the projecting parts 56F contacts the plate 30.When the plate 30 is displaced downward, each of the projecting parts56F is compressed in the up and down direction. The projecting parts 56Fare spaced apart each other in the circumferential direction, and aspace is present, in the space the projecting parts 56F can be deformedin the circumferential direction. Each of the projecting parts 56F islikely to be compressed in the up and down direction. Accordingly, theamount of displacement of the plate 30 with respect to the magnitude ofthe magnetic attraction force can be increased, like in the case ofusing a plurality of elastic members, by using the integrally formedelastic member 50F. The heat generated by the coil 40 can be radiated.

Whether to use the annularly formed elastic member, or whether toarrange the plurality of elastic members at intervals in thecircumferential direction may be selected as needed depending on theintended use or the like of the vibration generating device 1. Asdescribed above, when the plurality of elastic members is arranged atintervals in the circumferential direction, the amount of displacementof the plate 30 with respect to the magnitude of the magnetic attractionforce can be increased and the heat generated by the coil 40 can beradiated. On the other hand, when the annularly formed elastic member isused, the gap between the plate 30 and the flange part 15 can beeliminated on the inside and outside of the elastic member. Accordingly,the occurrence of a malfunction, such as inhibition of displacement ofthe plate 30 due to foreign matter entering the inside area of theelastic member can be prevented.

[Description of Attaching Structure of Vibration Generating Device 1]

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a structure for attaching the vibrationgenerating device 1 to the electronic device 1001.

In FIG. 14 , the detailed structure is illustrated in a simplifiedmanner for convenience of explanation. FIG. 14 illustrates a state of nocurrent flowing through the coil 40.

In the electronic device 1001, a force sensor (an example of a thirdelastic member) 1040 is arranged between the contact member 1020 and thehousing 1010. Specifically, the contact member 1020 is fixed to thehousing 1010 through the force sensor 1040. The force sensor 1040detects a force for pressing the contact member 1020 against the housing1010 when the force is applied to the contact member 1020. The forcesensor 1040 is formed with an elastic member having elasticity. Anelastic member, such as a plate spring, a coil spring, rubber, orsynthetic resin, may be arranged instead of the force sensor 1040, ortogether with the force sensor 1040, between the contact member 1020 andthe housing 1010.

The vibration generating device 1 is fixed to the contact member 1020 ina direction, in the direction the upper surface of the plate 30 facesthe lower surface of the contact member 1020. The base 10 is fixed tothe contact member 1020 with screws 1090 inserted penetrating throughthe hole parts 11 and spacers 1091, respectively, upward from the lowerside of the flange part 15 in a state, for example, in this state thespacers 1091 are sandwiched between the upper surface of the flange part15 and the contact member 1020.

A gap is formed between the lower surface of the base 10 of thevibration generating device 1 facing the housing 1010 and the uppersurface of the bottom surface of the housing 1010 facing the vibrationgenerating device 1.

The plate 30 can be brought into contact with the contact member 1020and can be spaced apart from the contact member 1020 in a direction awayfrom or closer to the base 10, i.e., in the up and down direction. Inthe present embodiment, the upper surface of the plate 30 is in contactwith the lower surface of the contact member 1020 in a state of nocurrent flowing through the coil 40. Thus, when the plate 30 is incontact with the contact member 1020, the elastic members 51 are morecompressed than in a natural state (in a state a force for causing theplate 30 to move away from or closer to the base 10 is not applied). Inother words, the elastic members 51 supporting the plate 30 in contactwith the contact member 1020 are deformed. Specifically, the vibrationgenerating device 1 is fixed to the contact member 1020 in a state, inthe state the plate 30 contacts the contact member 1020, to therebyallow the plate 30 to be slightly pressed against the base 10. When thevibration generating device 1 is fixed to the contact member 1020 andthe plate 30 is in contact with the contact member 1020, the elasticmembers 51 urge the plate 30 against the contact member 1020 in adirection away from or closer to the base 10, and the plate 30 has aneffect on the contact member 1020.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the vibration generating device 1 in astate, in this state a current flows through the coil 40.

When the current flows through the coil 40, the plate 30 is displacedand approaches the base 10. At this time, the position of the base 10 isnot changed. In other words, at this time, the plate 30 is away (spacedapart) from the contact member 1020 as illustrated in FIG. 15 .

After that, when the supply of the current flowing through the coil 40is stopped, the magnetic attraction force disappears. As a result, theplate 30 is urged upward by the restoring force of the elastic member51, so that the plate 30 is displaced toward the contact member 1020.When the plate 30 is displaced until the plate 30 contacts the contactmember 1020, the plate 30 is stopped in a state, in the state, the plate30 contacts the contact member 1020 and returns to the state illustratedin FIG. 14 .

In this manner, the current to be caused to flow through the coil 40 isrepeatedly supplied or stopped, thereby repeatedly generating the stateillustrated in FIG. 14 and the state illustrated in FIG. 15 . When theback and forth displacement of the plate 30 is repeated, a vibration dueto a reaction that is caused by the contact member 1020 and acts on theplate 30 is generated and the vibration is transmitted to the contactmember 1020. The contact member 1020 is coupled to the housing 1010through the force sensor 1040 as an elastic member, and thus the contactmember 1020 is allowed to be slightly displaced with respect to thehousing 1010. The vibration is also transmitted to the housing 1010.Thereby, a user using the electronic device 1001 can feel the vibration.

When the supply of the current flowing through the coil 40 is stoppedand the plate 30 contacts the contact member 1020, the plate 30 can beswiftly contacted with the contact member 1020. An impact can begenerated on the contact member 1020. This enables the user to feel arelatively specific feeling such as a click.

Note that the attaching structure of the vibration generating device 1is not limited to this. The vibration generating device 1 can be usednot only for the electronic device 1001, but also for various electronicdevices.

For example, the vibration generating device 1 may be attached to thehousing, instead of being attached to the contact member of theelectronic device.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a first modified example ofthe attaching structure of the vibration generating device 1. FIG. 17 isa sectional view illustrating the first modified example of theattaching structure of the vibration generating device 1.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the electronic device 1201 is, forexample, a so-called smartphone. The electronic device 1201 includes thecontact member 1020, a housing 1210, the force sensor 1040, and thevibration generating device 1. Unlike in the electronic device 1001described above, in the electronic device 1201, the vibration generatingdevice 1 is attached to the housing 1210, instead of being attached tothe contact member 1020.

As illustrated in FIG. 17 , inside the housing 1210 an attaching part1212 is formed inside the housing 1010 to attach the vibrationgenerating device 1. The attaching part1212 has a recess 1214 at acentral part of the attaching part 1212. The attaching part 1212 israised to a position higher than the recess 1214 to support the flangepart 15 of the vibration generating device 1. The vibration generatingdevice 1 is attached to the attaching part 1212 by attaching the screws1090 penetrating through the hole parts 11, respectively, from the upperside, in a state. In this state a region of the flange part 15 is placedon the attaching part 1212. In the region the hole parts 11 of theflange part 15 are provided.

In this modified example, dimensions from the upper surface of theattaching part 1212 to the upper surface of the recess 1214 are slightlylarger than dimensions from the lower surface of the flange part 15 ofthe vibration generating device 1 to the lower surface of the recessedpart 14. Accordingly, a gap is formed between the surface (in this case,the lower surface of the recessed part 14) of the vibration generatingdevice 1 facing the housing 1210 and the surface (in this case, theupper surface of the recessed part 1214) of the housing 1210 facing thevibration generating device 1.

The plate 30 of the vibration generating device 1 sandwiches an elasticmember 1205 (second elastic member) by the contact member 1020 across.In other words, the elastic member 1205 is provided between the plate 30and the contact member 1020. Further, the elastic member 1205 is coupledor fixed to each of the plate 30 and the contact member 1020 directly orthrough other member, such as an adhesive. The elastic member 1205 is amember having a cushioning property. The elastic member 1205 is, forexample, a resin member such as rubber or synthetic resin. Since theelastic member 1205 is provided, the vibration generated by thevibration generating device 1 is slightly reduced by the elastic member1205 and is also transmitted to the contact member 1020. When thehousing 1210, the force sensor 1040, and the contact member 1020 areassembled, a tolerance between the dimensions of the housing 1210 andthe contact member 1020 is relatively large. The tolerance can beallowed by the elastic member 1205 and a force associated with thedisplacement of the plate 30 can be applied to the contact member 1020.

If necessary, the plate 30 may be coupled or fixed to the contact member1020 directly or through other member, such as an adhesive, withoutproviding the elastic member 1205.

FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating a second modified example of theattaching structure of the vibration generating device. FIG. 19 is asectional view taken along a line C-C in FIG. 18 .

As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 , an electronic device 1601 is, forexample, a so-called tablet electronic computer. The electronic device1601 includes a contact member 1620, a housing 1610, an elastic member1640, and the vibration generating device 1. The contact member 1620 isa touch panel. The elastic member 1640 is, for example, an elasticmember such as rubber or synthetic resin, and is arranged between thecontact member 1620 and the housing 1610. The elastic member 1640 isarranged in such a manner. In this manner, for example, the elasticmember 1640 surrounds the outer peripheral part of the contact member1620.

As illustrated in FIG. 18 , in the electronic device 1601, the vibrationgenerating device 1 is fixed to the outer peripheral part of the contactmember 1620. Specifically, the vibration generating device 1 is coupledto the contact member 1620 in such a manner. In the manner the plate 30contacts a part of the outer peripheral part of the contact member 1620.As illustrated in FIG. 19 , a gap is formed between the surface of thebase 10 of the vibration generating device 1 and the inner surface ofthe housing 1610. In FIG. 19 , the illustration of the inside structureof the vibration generating device 1 is omitted.

Thus, even when the vibration generating device 1 is fixed to the outerperipheral part of the contact member 1620, the vibration generated bythe vibration generating device 1 can be transmitted to the contactmember 1620 and the vibration generating device 1 can be used.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a modified example of theelectronic device.

As illustrated in FIG. 20 , an electronic device 1401 is, for example, asteering wheel of an automobile. The electronic device 1401 includescontact members 1420 in three spoke parts 1407, respectively, connectinga hub 1405 and a handle 1403 to each other. Each of the contact members1420 is, for example, an operation input part formed with a plurality ofoperating switches for selecting or adjusting various functions of theautomobile. The vibration generating device 1 is attached to a back partof each of the contact members 1420. The use of the vibration generatingdevice 1 enables generation of a vibration according to an operation ofeach operating switch of the contact members 1420, thereby making itpossible to provide the user with a feedback accommodating to theoperation.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the vibrationgenerating device 1 has a thin structure including the base 10, the coil40, the plate 30, and the elastic member 51. Therefore, the vibrationgenerating device 1 having a relatively large vibration surface can bedownsized. In the vibration generating device 1, the base 10 and theplate 30 constitute the magnetic circuit. This vibration generatingdevice makes it possible to effectively generate a large vibration. Theflange part 15 is provided at the base 10 and the plate 30 is providedfacing the flange part 15 in the vibration generating device. Thereby, amagnetic flux is less likely to leak (a magnetic resistance can bereduced) between the plate 30 and the flange part 15 as a magnetic polepart, and a larger vibration can be generated.

A plurality of elastic members 51 having equal vertical dimensions(thickness) is arranged between the plate 30 and the base 10.Accordingly, the plate 30 can be displaced while the horizontal postureof the plate 30 is maintained.

Second Embodiment

A basic structure of a vibration generating device according to a secondembodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus arepeated description is omitted. The components of the second embodimenthaving substantially the same shape or function as that of the firstembodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptionsof these components may be omitted. In the second embodiment, the formarranging the elastic members, the structure of the base, and the likeare different from those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a plan view illustrating a vibration generating device 101according to a second embodiment. FIG. 22 is a sectional view takenalong a line E-E in FIG. 21 .

In FIG. 21 , the illustration of the plate 30 is omitted for convenienceof explanation of the inside structure of the vibration generatingdevice 101. Specifically, in the plan view of the vibration generatingdevice 101, components hidden behind the plate 30 are also indicated bysolid lines in FIG. 21 .

As illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 , the vibration generating device 101includes a base 110, a plate 30, a coil 40, and elastic members 151 (151a, 151 b, 151 c, 151 d, and 151 m).

In the second embodiment, a center protruding part 120 and an outerprotruding part 125 are attached to the base 110. The center protrudingpart 120 is arranged in the dent 17 at the central part of the recessedpart 14 of the base 110, like the protruding part 20 of the firstembodiment. The outer protruding part 125 is an annular member. Theouter protruding part 125 is formed and arranged surrounding the outerperiphery of the coil 40 on the outside of the outer periphery of thecoil 40. An annular dent 117 b to fix the outer protruding part 125 isformed in the bottom part 14 a of the recessed part 14 of the base 110.Like the protruding part 20, the center protruding part 120 and theouter protruding part 125 are formed with a magnetic body. For example,the center protruding part 120 and the outer protruding part 125 areformed with iron. The base 110 is excited when a current flows throughthe coil 40, and each of an upper part of the center protruding part 120and an upper part of the outer protruding part 125 serves as a magneticpole part.

The center protruding part 120 and the outer protruding part 125 areeach formed in such a manner. In this manner the upper surface of eachof the center protruding part 120 and the outer protruding part 125 isat the same height as the upper surface of the base 110. The plate 30 isarranged in such a manner. In this manner the outer peripheral part ofthe plate 30 faces the upper surface of the outer protruding part 125.Note that the wide flange part 15 arranged surrounding the outerperiphery of the recessed part 14 is not provided at the base 110,unlike in the first embodiment, and only the right and left side partsof the recessed part 14 provided with the hole parts 11, respectively,extend in a flange shape.

A dent 120 a arranging the elastic member 151 m (hereinafter alsoreferred to especially as the center elastic member 151 m) is formed ata central part of the upper surface of the center protruding part 120.Four dents 126 are provided at the outer protruding part 125. Theelastic members 151 a, 151 b, 151 c, and 151 d (which may becollectively referred to as the outer elastic members 151) respectivelyare arranged at the four dents 126. In the second embodiment, the outerelastic members 151 are arranged substantially at regular intervals inthe circumferential direction, like the elastic members 51 in the firstembodiment. The depths of the dents 120 a and 126 are, for example,uniform, but instead the depth of the dent 120 a and the depth of thedent 126 may be different from each other.

In the base 110, a coil arrangement part 116 slightly raised upward isdisposed between the dent 17 and the dent 117 b arranging the outerprotruding part 125. The center protruding part 120 are arranged at thedent 17. The outer protruding part 125 is arranged at the dent 117 b.The coil 40 is arranged on or above the coil arrangement part 116. Withthis structure, the vibration generating device 1 having a vibrationsurface with a constant size, while the volume of the coil 40 is reducedas needed. In the magnetic circuit formed with the base 110 and theplate 30, the occurrence of magnetic flux saturation in the bottom part14 a can be prevented. The coil arrangement part 116 may be providedadjusting the height of the upper surface of the coil 40 to be equal tothe height of the upper surface of the center protruding part 120.

A film (resin film) 145 having insulation properties is arranged at theupper surface of the coil 40. A film (resin film) 146 having insulationproperties is arranged between the lower surface of the coil 40 and thecoil arrangement part 116 in a lower surface of the coil 40. The films(resin films) 145 and 146 having insulation properties are, for example,resin members each having insulation properties. With this structure,the insulation between the coil 40 and the base 110 and the insulationbetween the coil 40 and the plate 30 can be reliably ensured.

In the second embodiment, the base 110 includes the center protrudingpart 120 and the outer protruding part 125, and the outer peripheralpart of the plate 30 is arranged facing the upper surface of the outerprotruding part 125. Accordingly, the plate 30, the center protrudingpart 120 of the base 110, the outer protruding part 125, and the bottompart 14 a constitute the magnetic circuit. Therefore, the vibrationgenerating device 101 can be operated in the same manner as in the firstembodiment described above. The vibration generating device 101according to the second embodiment can be used for various electronicdevices, like in the first embodiment described above.

Since the outer protruding part 125 having a relatively large width canbe used, the diameter of the plate 30 can be increased by an amountequal to the width of the outer protruding part 125, thereby making itpossible to improve the efficiency of the vibration generating device101 while increasing the vibration surface.

Further, since the dents 120 a and 126 are formed in the centerprotruding part 120 and the outer protruding part 125, respectively, theinterval between the plate 30 and the upper surface of the base 110 canbe reduced and a larger height of the elastic member 151 in the up anddown direction can be ensured. When the plate 30 is displaced toward thebase 110 and the elastic member 151 is compressed, a degree generatingthe force of resisting the displacement of the plate 30 at the elasticmember 151 increases as the amount of displacement of the plate 30increases. However, the degree decreases as the length in the up anddown direction of the elastic member 151 in the natural state increases.Accordingly, when a current flows through the coil 40, the magnitude ofthe magnetic attraction force that acts between the plate 30 and thebase 110 can be increased and the elastic member 151 can be easilycompressed.

The center elastic member 151 m is deformed and compressed while beingexpanded in the radial direction in accordance with the downwarddisplacement of the plate 30 with respect to the base 110. Accordingly,the plate 30 can be stably supported at the central part of the plate30, and thus the plate 30 is less likely to be displaced in thehorizontal direction when the plate 30 is repeatedly displaced in the upand down direction. Therefore, a vibration can be stably generated.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the secondembodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 23 , the vibration generating device 201 includesa base 210, a plate 30, a coil 40, and elastic members 151 b and 151 d.The vibration generating device 201 and the vibration generating device1 according to the second embodiment described above are differentmainly in that the vibration generating device 201 does not include thecenter elastic member 151 m and does not include the coil arrangementpart 116. Note that FIG. 23 illustrates a sectional view of the elasticmembers 151 b and 151 d among the plurality of elastic members 151.

The base 210 includes the protruding part 20, the outer protruding part125, and a spacer 228. The protruding part 20 is arranged in the dent 17of the bottom part 14 a of the recessed part 14. The outer protrudingpart 125 is arranged in the annular dent 117 b formed in the bottom part14 a. The spacer 228 is arranged on the bottom part 14 a between theprotruding part 20 and the outer protruding part 125. The spacer 228 hasa ring shape having an outer diameter being slightly smaller than theinner diameter of the outer protruding part 125, and having an innerdiameter being slightly larger than the outer shape of the protrudingpart 20. The spacer 228 is formed with a magnetic body, like theprotruding part 20 and the outer protruding part 125. For example, thespacer 228 is formed with iron. Since the spacer 228 is formed with amagnetic body, the magnetic efficiency of the magnetic circuit can beimproved and the amplitude of the vibration generated by the vibrationgenerating device 1 can be increased. The coil 40 and the insulatingfilms 145 and 146 are arranged on the spacer 228. Note that the spacer228 may be formed with a non-magnetic body such as resin. The insulationof the coil 40 may be reliably ensured by using a member havinginsulation properties as the spacer 228.

Also in the vibration generating device 201, the plate 30, theprotruding part 20 of the base 210, the outer protruding part 125, andthe bottom part 14 a constitute a magnetic circuit. Accordingly, thevibration generating device 201 can be operated in the same manner as inthe second embodiment. The vibration generating device 201 does notinclude the center elastic member 151 m, but the other elastic members151 are provided at vibration generating device 201. This structureenables the vibration generating device 201 to be operated. The centerelastic member 151 m may be provided to allow the plate 30 to be stablydisplaced in the up and down direction.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 24 is a plan view illustrating a vibration generating device 401according to a third embodiment. FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken alonga line G-G in FIG. 24 .

As illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25 , the vibration generating device 401includes a base 410, a plate 430, the coil 40, and the elastic members151 (151 a, 151 b, 151 c, 151 d, and 151 m). The coil 40, the insulatingfilms 145 and 146 arranged in the up and down direction, and the elasticmember 151 are similar to those of the second embodiment describedabove, and thus descriptions of these components are omitted.

In the third embodiment, the base 410 includes a core 420 and a bottomplate 411.

The core 420 is a magnetic body. The core 420 is formed with, forexample, iron. The core 420 has, for example, a cylindrical shape as awhole. The core 420 includes a groove part 428 that is recessed downwardfrom the upper surface. Accordingly, a center protruding part 421 and anouter protruding part 425 projecting upward as viewed from the groovepart 428 are provided. In other words, the center protruding part 421and the outer protruding part 425 are formed with one member.

The coil 40 is arranged in the groove part 428 together with theinsulating films 145 and 146. The center protruding part 421 and theouter protruding part 425 function play roles in the same manner as thecenter protruding part 120 and the outer protruding part 125 accordingto the second embodiment in the vibration generating device 401.Specifically, when a current flows through the coil 40, the core 420 isexcited, so that the upper part of the center protruding part 421 andthe upper part of the outer protruding part 425 serve as magnetic poles.

The bottom plate 411 is, for example, a plate-like member having aroughly square shape in a plan view. A part of the bottom plate 411where the core 420 of the bottom plate 411 corresponds to a dent 414that is recessed from the peripheral part. The core 420 is arranged inthe dent 414. In front of the bottom plate 411, a projecting part 419 isformed. A terminal (not illustrated) is arranged at the projecting part419. For example, a through-hole or a notch part (not illustrated)penetrating between the outer surface of the core 420 and the part ofthe lower surface or side surface is provided in a part of the lowersurface or side surface of the groove part 428 of the core 420, and theconductive wire of the coil 40 is guided to the projecting part 419through the through-hole or notch part.

The bottom plate 411 may be formed with, for example, a magnetic bodysuch as iron, or other types of members such as resin. The bottom plate411 is formed with a magnetic body, which makes it possible to improvethe magnetic efficiency of the magnetic circuit and increase theamplitude of the vibration generated by the vibration generating device1. Further, the bottom plate 411 may be, for example, a circuit board orthe like. The dent 414 and the projecting part 419 need not necessarilybe provided at the bottom plate 411.

The elastic member 151 is arranged at the upper surface of the centerprotruding part 421 and at the upper surface of the outer protrudingpart 425. The disc-like plate 430 is arranged on the elastic member 151.Thus, the plate 430 and the core 420 including the center protrudingpart 421 and the outer protruding part 425 constitute a magneticcircuit. A relatively large thickness in the up and down direction ofthe core 420 in the part providing the groove part 428 can be ensured.Therefore, magnetic flux saturation is less likely to occur in themagnetic circuit.

A rod-like support part 461 arranged in such a manner is provided at acorner part of the bottom plate 411. In this manner, the up and downdirection matches the longitudinal direction. a projecting part 462projecting upward is provided at the upper surface of the plate 430. Anannular rubber member 465 extends over the support part 461 and theprojecting part 462. Thus, a holding structure 460 that holds the plate430 with respect to the base 410 is formed. The holding structure 460 isprovided at, for example, each of a front right part, a rear right part,a front left part, and a rear left part of the vibration generatingdevice 401. With this structure, detachment of the plate 430 can beprevented and the vibration generating device 401 can be used forvarious applications and postures.

Also in the third embodiment, the plate 430 and the core 420 includingthe center protruding part 421 and the outer protruding part 425constitute a magnetic circuit. Accordingly, the vibration generatingdevice 401 can be operated in the same manner as in the first embodimentdescribed above. The vibration generating device 401 according to thethird embodiment can be used for various electronic devices, like in thefirst embodiment described above.

Fourth Embodiment

A basic structure of a vibration generating device according to a fourthembodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus arepeated description is omitted. The components of the fourth embodimenthaving substantially the same shape or function as that of the firstembodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptionsof these components may be omitted.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view illustrating a vibration generating device601 according to a fourth embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 26 , the vibration generating device 601 includesa base 10, a plate 630, a coil 40, and elastic members 51 (51 a, 51 b).As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the plurality of elastic members 51 isarranged in the circumferential direction on the flange part 15. Aprojecting part 635 is provided with a surface of the plate 630 facingthe base 10. The projecting part 635 is arranged facing a protrudingpart 620 of the base 10. Note that the height in the up and downdirection of the protruding part 620 is lowered by an amount equal tothe height of a downward projection of the projecting part 635.

Also in the fourth embodiment, the projecting part 635 and the outerperipheral part of the plate 630, the protruding part 620 of the base10, the bottom part 14 a, and the flange part 15 constitute a magneticcircuit. Accordingly, the vibration generating device 601 can beoperated in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above.The projecting part 635 of the plate 630 also functions as a weight.Specifically, the projecting part 635 serving as a weight, is providedat the plate 630 and the plate 630 is relatively heavy. Thereby, alarger vibration force can be generated.

Note that weight may be arranged at a surface other than the lowersurface of the plate 630. A weight formed as a member different from theplate 630 may be attached to the plate 630.

The height of the upper surface of the coil 40 illustrated in FIG. 26 isthe same as the height of the upper surface of the flange part 15. Thus,the magnetic attraction force can be increased by increasing thethickness of the coil 40. Note that the height of the upper surface ofthe coil 40 is not limited to this, but instead may be set to be thesame as the height of the upper surface of the protruding part 620.

Fifth Embodiment

A basic structure of a vibration generating device according to a fifthembodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus arepeated description is omitted. The components of the fifth embodimentthat have substantially the same shape or function as that of the firstembodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptionsof these components may be omitted.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view illustrating a vibration generating device701 according to the fifth embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 27 , the vibration generating device 701 includesa base 710, a plate 730, the coil 40, and elastic members 751 (751 a and751 b).

The plate 730 has a structure, in the structure an outer peripheral endpart 732 of the plate 730 is bent. Specifically, the outer peripheralend part 732 is bent toward the coil 40 from a top surface part 731. Theouter peripheral end part 732 is bent downward from the top surface part731 as a horizontal part.

In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral end part 732 of theplate 730 is located inside the outer peripheral end part of the base710. Specifically, the outer peripheral end part 732 is located insidethe outer peripheral end part of the recessed part 14 of the base 710,i.e., inside the side wall part 14 b. The plate 730 is attached to thebase 710 in such a manner. In the manner, the outer peripheral end part732 is located inside the recessed part 14 of the base 710. The outerperipheral end part 732 is located between the outer peripheral sidesurface of the coil 40 and the side wall part 14 b of the base 710. Theelastic members 751 are arranged between a lower end of the outerperipheral end part 732 and an upper surface of the bottom part 14 a ofthe recessed part 14 of the base 710. The elastic member 751 supportsthe plate 730 with respect to the base 710, like the elastic members 51according to the first embodiment.

In the fifth embodiment, the plate 730 and the base 710 constitute amagnetic circuit. Accordingly, the vibration generating device 701 canbe operated in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Since theouter peripheral end part 732 of the plate 730 is located close to thebottom part 14 a and the side wall part 14 b of the base 710, so that amagnetic flux is less likely to leak (a magnetic resistance decreases)between the plate 730 and the base 710. Therefore, the efficiency of thevibration generating device 701 can be improved.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating a vibration generating device801 according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 29 is a view illustrating thestructure of the vibration generating device 801 according to the sixthembodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29 , the vibration generating device 801 has arectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. The vibration generatingdevice 801 includes a base 810, a plate 830, a coil 840, and elasticmembers 851 (851 a and 851 b).

The base 810 includes a flange part 815. The hole parts 11 is formed atthe right and left side parts of the flange part 815. The base 810includes a recessed part 814 recessed downward at the central partbetween the both flange parts 815. The recessed part 814 has arectangular shape whose side in the left and right direction is longerthan a side in the front and back direction. A core 820 is arranged inthe recessed part 814. The coil 840 is arranged around the core 820. Thecore 820 and the coil 840 are each formed in, for example, an ovalshape, being long in the left and right direction, (including a shapeobtained by connecting two semicircular arcs with two lines) inaccordance with the shape of the recessed part 814.

The plate 830 includes a top surface part 831 as a horizontal part, andtwo bent parts 832 located at a right end and a left end, respectively,and being bent in the direction of the coil 840 from the top surfacepart 831. The bent parts 832 are located inside the outer peripheral endpart of the base 810. Specifically, the bent parts 832 are locatedinside the side wall part 814 a of the recessed part 814 of the base810. The plate 830 is attached to the base 810 in such a manner that alower end of each of the bent parts 832 is located inside the recessedpart 814 of the base 810. The lower end of each of the bent parts 832 islocated between the outer peripheral side surface of the coil 840 and aside wall part 814 b of the base 810. The elastic members 851 arearranged between the lower end of each of the bent parts 832 and theupper surface of the recessed part 814 of the base 810. The elasticmembers 851 support the plate 830 with respect to the base 810, like theelastic members 51 according to the first embodiment.

In the sixth embodiment, the plate 830 and the base 810 constitute amagnetic circuit. Accordingly, the vibration generating device 801 canbe operated in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The bentparts 832 of the plate 830 are located close to the upper surface of therecessed part 814 of the base 810 and face the side wall part 814 b, sothat a magnetic flux is less likely to leak (a magnetic resistancedecreases) between the plate 830 and the base 810. Therefore, theefficiency of the vibration generating device 801 can be improved.

The members such as the base 810 and the plate 830 of the vibrationgenerating device 801 can be easily produced by linear bending or thelike.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating a vibration generating device901 according to a modified example of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 31 isa view illustrating the structure of the vibration generating device 901according to the modified example of the sixth embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31 , the vibration generating device 901 hasbasically the same structure as that of the vibration generating device801 according to the sixth embodiment. In the vibration generatingdevice 901, a plate 930 having a flat plate shape is used instead of theplate 830. Instead of the elastic members 851, elastic members 951 (951a and 951 b) are arranged at the upper surface of the flange part 815 ofthe base 810. A right side part and a left side part of the plate 930face the flange part 815. The elastic members 951 are arranged so as tobe sandwiched between the flange part 815 and each of the right sidepart and the left side part of the plate 930.

In the vibration generating device 901, the flange part 815 of the base810 serves as a magnetic pole part. The plate 930 and the base 810constitute a magnetic circuit. Accordingly, the vibration generatingdevice 901 can be operated in the same manner as the vibrationgenerating device 801. Since the right and left side parts of the plate930 face the flange part 815, a magnetic flux is less likely to leak (amagnetic resistance decreases) between the plate 930 and the base 810.Therefore, the efficiency of the vibration generating device 901 can beimproved.

[Other]

The vibration generating device may be formed by appropriately combiningthe individual features of the embodiments described above or modifiedexamples of the embodiments. For example, the outer shape of thevibration generating device 1 illustrated in FIG. 18 may have a discshape as illustrated in FIG. 4 , or may have a rectangularparallelepiped shape as illustrated in FIG. 28 described below. Further,the vibration generating device 1 illustrated in FIG. 18 may beappropriately changed to any one of the vibration generating devices101, 201, 401, 601, 701, 801, and 901 according to the second to sixthembodiments.

Examples of other members include publicly-known members such as anadhesive, the above-mentioned elastic members, and resin members.

The type of the vibration generating device is not limited to a thinvibration generating device, or a small vibration generating deviceillustrated above. A large vibration generating device having basicallythe same structure as that described above may be provided.

The vibration generating device can be used not only for the electronicdevices of the above-mentioned types, but also for various types ofelectronic devices. For example, the vibration generating device can beused for various electronic devices, such as a personal computer,peripheral devices for the personal computer, domestic electronicequipment such as a television, a refrigerator, and a washing machine,electronic devices such as remote controllers for operating them,electronic devices used for devices for transportation, and electronicdevices used for buildings and the like.

It should be considered that the embodiments described above areillustrative in every respect and are not limitative. The scope of thepresent disclosure is not defined by the above description but by theclaims. It is intended that the meanings equivalent to the claims andall the changes within the claims are included in the presentdisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a housing; a contact member attached to the housing; and a vibration generating device, wherein the vibration generating device is fixed to the contact member, and the vibration generating device includes: a base; and a plate displaceable in a direction away from or closer to the base; and a first elastic member supporting the plate with respect to the base, wherein the plate is away from the contact member, the base is fixed to the contact member, a gap is formed between the lower surface of the base and the housing.
 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the base is fixed to the contact member via a spacer.
 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, comprising a coil; the coil is fixed to the base. 